The BBC reports that following Sharon’s stroke Israeli newspapers are attempting to learn exactly how much Ariel Sharon weighs:

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Ariel Sharon is apparently willing to joke about his weight

Concerns over the health of Ariel Sharon have opened up a fevered debate in Israel on a highly sensitive topic – the prime minister’s weight.

Israeli newspapers have been trying to find out precisely how much their leader weighs.

But they have discovered medical and intelligence staff unwilling to spill the beans on a matter of such gravity.

With much discussion of the prime minister’s reportedly dodgy diet, even Mr Sharon’s closest allies are worried.

As the 77-year-old prime minister recovered from a stroke at the weekend, US President George Bush phoned to wish him well, and to urge him to get some exercise.

“I need you to be healthy,” Mr Bush said, according to a statement issued by Mr Sharon’s office.

It could really be that the prime minister doesn’t know how much he weighs

Amnon Dankner
Editor of Maariv

“Watch what you eat, and start getting some exercise and cutting down on the number of work hours,” the president said.

Mr Sharon is known to work a long day, while the American leader likes to go to bed early.

But it is his diet which has raised most eyebrows.

Fast food stops

A journalist with Israel’s Maariv newspaper said at a party on Saturday evening, the day before he was admitted to hospital, Mr Sharon was seen tucking into kebabs, steaks in sauce, lamb ribs, salads and various cakes.